Salboy, the UK property development and funding group, has officially launched Salboy Construction, a specialist residential construction business created to deliver and support complex, time-critical and distressed housing schemes at a time when rising build costs, contractor capacity constraints and programme risk are increasingly impacting new housing delivery across the UK. “The outlook for housing developers, fundings and associations shouldn’t look as bleak as it does,” comments Andrew Cavanagh, CFO of Salboy. “Buyer demand is robust, finance is accessible, and the supply:demand ratio for new housing in this country is skewed heavily in their favour. But the difficulty of securing capable construction partners to build in locations where houses are most needed is reaching fever pitch. Across the country, developers’ schemes are slowing down, stalling altogether or taking years to get out of the ground because suitable contractors cannot be mobilised quickly enough or with sufficient certainty that they can deliver on time and on budget.”  Salboy Construction was established by Salboy in April 2024 in response to these conditions. The business was initially focused on supporting some of the Group’s own developments, as well as select sites funded by Salboy Capital, the Group’s property funding partnership business.  In less than two years, Salboy Construction has grown to a team of 16 construction professionals, quantity surveyors and procurement specialists and has delivered 120 homes with a further 139 currently under construction. The team is now contracted to work on sites by both Salboy’s development team and a number of other developers, funders and housing associations around the country.  Salboy Construction’s team is deployed onto a mixture of brand new sites where work needs to begin from scratch, as well as onto distressed sites where either sufficiently qualified partners were unavailable locally, or problems had slowed progress and a new delivery process was needed to bring the project to fruition.  The business has live and completed schemes in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, London, Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire. Recent projects include new-build sites in Wandsworth in London, Tuckingmill in Cornwall and Tean in Staffordshire, in addition to the takeover of a 70-home residential site in Lincolnshire, the reset of two distressed urban schemes in South London, and the delivery of a 77-home affordable housing development in Cornwall. With this track record firmly in place, Salboy Construction is formally launching its services to a wider range of third-party clients nationwide.  Andrew Cavanagh: “Over the past few years, more and more funds, banks, housing associations and registered providers of social housing have approached Salboy to help bring their projects forward. Until this point, capacity was our only constraint. We’re excited that now, thanks to Salboy Construction, we can start saying ‘Yes’ to more of these projects and bring forward more homes where they’re desperately needed.” Demand is particularly high in cost-sensitive areas, such as affordable housing, where Salboy Construction has recently begun work on schemes for three registered providers. The business operates through a hybrid delivery model, combining its own direct delivery teams with a national network of trusted regional partners, including Salboy’s long-standing partner in the Northwest, Domis Construction. This structure allows Salboy to maintain full oversight of every scheme and ensure consistent standards of governance, reporting, quality and cost control. One of Salboy Construction’s key strengths and differentiators is its home-grown procurement network that enables regional partners to save up to 20 per cent on common building materials. The network gives the SME partners Salboy Construction works with access to the buying power and supplier relationships normally reserved for Plc housebuilders, helping them manage inflationary pressures and reduce exposure to material price volatility. Access to the procurement network is also available to developers funded by Salboy Capital.  Stephen Ward, Construction Director at Salboy: “Anyone working in the construction space today will have seen good housing schemes stall, not because demand wasn’t there, but because the right delivery partner could not be secured or retained. That is exactly the gap Salboy Construction has been created to fill. In a short space of time we’ve been able to show developers and funders we’ve the right mix of domain expertise, supplier leverage and tenacity to bring greater certainty to schemes that might otherwise struggle to get off the ground.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has signed contracts with Placefirst, one of the UK’s foremost build-to-rent property developers, for 49 PRS properties at their landmark Milby Meadows development, in Nuneaton. This includes is four 1-bed homes, 23 2-bed and 22 3-bed homes. This agreement, made on behalf of the Develop Warwickshire joint venture (JV), completes a quartet of key partners, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the project. The JV’s partnership model at the 1,700-home development now includes: Together, these organisations are ensuring a diverse mix of tenures, making homes accessible to people from all walks of life and fostering a truly balanced and inclusive community. Michael Moore, Vistry’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “I am delighted to have such a fantastic range of partners on our largest scheme within the Develop Warwickshire Joint Venture. “Placefirst brings a wealth of experience and provides an excellent opportunity to develop the private rental sector offer on this site. Bringing a wide range of tenure offers to the area shows the commitment of the JV to delivering high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire.” Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst said: “Our latest project with Vistry builds on our other four neighbourhoods, which will deliver a total of 363 home across Oxford, Northampton, Mansfield, Swindon and now Warwickshire. The collaboration enables us to deliver sustainable, quality homes and communities built for the long-term in places where they’re needed. We look forward to seeing our partnership with Vistry continue to thrive, and helping to create an inclusive and well-connected neighbourhood that supports community growth in Milby Meadows.” Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council, is building 2,000 homes in Warwickshire to help address the region’s housing shortage. The JV has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents. James Devereux, Finance Director of WDPG, said: “This is another major step forward to bring the vision for Milby Meadows and Weddington to life. The agreement between Vistry and Placefirst is a clear demonstration of the confidence in this landmark development and completes a strong quartet of partners within the Develop Warwickshire scheme. “Together, we’re giving future residents a real sense of the community taking shape while combining our expertise to deliver sustainable, thriving communities across the county.” Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property at Warwickshire County Council, said: “This agreement marks another significant milestone in delivering the high-quality homes and infrastructure that families across Warwickshire need. The inclusion of Placefirst strengthens an already exceptional partnership and reflects the confidence in what is being achieved at Milby Meadows.  “Through Develop Warwickshire we are creating sustainable, well connected communities that offer real opportunities for local people.” Each home will be constructed using modern methods of construction, incorporating air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. The development will boast energy-efficient design elements, incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems and will include beautifully-landscaped green open space.  Phase 1 of the infrastructure works is now complete, creating a northern link road bringing together the surrounding developments with access to the new Higham Lane North Academy, which opened in September 2025 for students aged 11-16. Construction of the first 530 homes with public open space is well under way. When completed, Milby Meadows will feature a mix of 1,700 two, three and four-bedroom properties, a primary and secondary school, a local centre with retail and community facilities, extensive public open spaces, play areas, a habitat pond and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads and highway improvements including on the A444 and footpaths linking to other developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A significant milestone has been reached for Marina Village in Barrow, as plans progress to create a new neighbourhood with hundreds of new homes.  Westmorland and Furness Council has appointed Muse Places, supported by supply chain partners through the ECF partnership, as its strategic development partner for Marina Village, which will seek to provide around 1,350 new homes, a nature conservation area and new public open spaces.   Marina Village is a vital part of Barrow’s plans for the future, bringing new homes close to education, major employers and local shops and businesses, and helping strengthen perceptions of Barrow as a place to live.      Cabinet agreed today to award a pre-development services agreement to Muse Places and its supply chain partners within ECF.   Councillor Jonathan Brook, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “This scheme will play a vital role in the future success of Barrow. It is a key part of the delivery plans for Team Barrow.  “A significant amount of time, work and funding has gone into getting us to this stage. We are now very much looking forward to working with Muse and ECF on this project and together with partners and the local community, to develop the vision for this site and for it to become a thriving residential community.  ECF is a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, bringing together public and private sector expertise to support long-term regeneration in towns and cities across the UK.  Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, said: “Marina Village is a significant opportunity for Barrow, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council as plans move forward.  “The appointment of a development partner marks an important step, allowing the council and its partners to start shaping how Marina Village can come to life, building on its waterfront setting and responding to the needs of the local community.  “At ECF, we take a long-term, partnership-led approach to regeneration, and we’re excited to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to help create a new neighbourhood that Barrow can be proud of.”  Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for Marina Village. Taking this approach ensures that this important waterside area in Barrow is brought forward in the right way to create a modern, attractive and desirable place to live and is aligned with workforce needs and the wider regeneration of Barrow.   “By focusing on family homes and accommodation suitable for first-time buyers and a choice of types and tenures, we will ensure that these homes support the wider growth aspirations of Barrow’s community and wider economy.”   The council appointed Muse Places using The Developer Led Framework that Pagabo manages on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, and has been advised in the procurement process by CBRE and DWF.   Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The appointment of Muse through the Developer Led Framework demonstrates how major, complex regeneration projects like Marina Village can be progressed through a procurement process that is both simple and fully compliant. The framework that we manage is designed to give councils confidence, pace and flexibility, while maintaining transparency and best value. It’s great to see Westmorland and Furness Council able to focus on shaping the vision and outcomes for Barrow, knowing that the procurement route is robust, efficient and aligned with long-term place-making ambitions.” Cabinet had previously agreed to follow a ‘master developer’ approach to develop the Marina Village, where a single developer takes responsibility for the early planning and design work, coordination of infrastructure, and delivery of the wider plans.   This coordinated approach helps ensure consistent quality, long-term stewardship, and cohesive place-making while de-risking the process for individual developers and local authorities and agreed to start the procurement process to appoint a master developer.   With a focus on a choice of new family homes, the council’s vision for Marina Village is for it to be: “A high quality, well-designed waterfront neighbourhood set along Barrow’s active historic docks, it will offer a new, contemporary housing choice within walking distance of Barrow Town Centre. Set within a sustainable network of vibrant and natural spaces, which support well-being, active travel and a great quality of life, it will offer homes where you can set down roots. A place where heritage, nature, community and landscape connect to Barrow’s industrial future, and thrive.”   When complete, Marina Village will strengthen the council’s work with government and BAE Systems as the Team Barrow partnership, ensuring that interventions to support employment opportunities at BAE are transformational, inclusive and long-lasting for Barrow, Westmorland and Furness, and beyond.    Peter Anstiss, chief executive of Team Barrow, said: “Housing is a strategic priority in our 10-year plan for Barrow and the Marina Village is critical to the delivery of this.     “The Government’s long-term commitment to its submarine programme is driving substantial growth in the shipyard, and this in turn creates significant demand for thousands of new homes, for employees and their families.    “The appointment of Muse and ECF is great news and we look forward to working with them, as well as our partners in Westmorland and Furness Council, to deliver this vitally important housing development.”   Work is under way to remediate the second phase of 19 hectares, preparing the land for new homes, supported by £24.8 million of Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) funding of from Homes England. Phase 1 of the development – the remediation of six hectares of land funded by £5.5 million secured from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, administered by Cumbria LEP – was completed in November 2023.    Phase two includes ground remediation and the installation of associated supporting infrastructure, including a realigned Cavendish Dock Road, as well as the diversion or protection of key utilities. The project will also relocate the council’s Salthouse Road waste depot to a temporary site.   Planning approval for phase 3, which includes remediation and realignment of Cavendish Dock Road, was granted in November and will help unlock a further 16 percent of the site, once a biodiversity net gain credit application has been approved.   A Pre-Development Agreement with Muse and ECF will commission early work to prepare Marina Village for the next

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has joined forces with housing association Citizen, to deliver 60 much-needed affordable family homes in Oldbury, marking a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs. The development, located on Titford Road, will transform a previously vacant site into a vibrant new community, offering a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes. The project is designed to provide high-quality, affordable housing for families in the area, supporting Sandwell Council’s ambitions for sustainable growth and regeneration. Michael Moore, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Citizen on this development which will not only meet the housing needs of the community but will protect wildlife and ecology whilst bringing investment for services into the area. “We’re excited to be a part of Oldbury’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed affordable homes which will help meet the significant housing shortage in the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Nick Byrne, Executive Director of Development at Citizen, said: “We’re excited to be working with Vistry on another development in the West Midlands which will provide 60 affordable homes. “Our plans for the Titford Road site will transform a vacant area and bring it back into use by building affordable homes for people on the housing lists. “We’re committed to building homes that meet the needs of our communities, and we look forward to seeing work start on this site soon.” The scheme, which received planning permission in April 2025, has been developed in line with Natural England guidance, ensuring ecological protection and enhancement. Key features include the retention and improvement of the site’s watercourse, the creation of green buffer zones with native planting, and the introduction of new public green spaces, supporting Sandwell Council’s goals for sustainable placemaking. The partnership between Vistry and Citizen is expected to bring wider economic benefits to the region, including job creation and investment in local services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ballymore has received planning consent from the London Borough of Newham for the redevelopment of its Thames Road site, located on the north bank of the River Thames to the east of Thames Barrier Park. The approved scheme will deliver 1,685 new homes on the industrial brownfield site, also known as UNEX, including 173 homes for social rent. Designed by Howells, the development will also feature 359 co-living suites, a new primary school, over 13,500 sq m of light industrial and flexible workspace, a riverside park, and a range of ground-floor retail and community spaces. The architectural design reflects the Royal Docks’ industrial heritage, incorporating a rich palette of brick tones and varied building types—from riverside mansion blocks and townhouses to contemporary co-living buildings—creating a distinctive and layered new neighbourhood. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said: “Securing consent for Thames Road is a significant milestone and a strong endorsement of the ambition and care that has shaped these proposals. Our commitment to the Royal Docks spans decades, and this approval allows us to build on the success of Royal Wharf while continuing to respond thoughtfully to the area’s evolving character and needs. “Royal Wharf has demonstrated what high-quality brownfield regeneration can achieve, becoming an international benchmark for new town delivery since its completion in 2020. With planning now in place for Thames Road, we are excited to move forward and prepare to begin construction next year.” Ballymore has a long-standing track record in Newham, most recently delivering Royal Wharf and Riverscape, a 40-acre riverside neighbourhood with over 4,000 homes, a new primary school, public park, vibrant high street, and accessible riverside walkway connecting Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park, including a Thames Clippers pier. In addition, Ballymore submitted plans in 2024 for a sister site at Knights Road, currently awaiting determination. The Knights Road proposals, designed by Allies & Morrison, include 1,667 new homes and 4,000 sq m of light industrial and flexible workspace, located a short walk from West Silvertown DLR. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ballymore has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Newham to redevelop its Thames Road site into a major mixed-use scheme delivering 1,685 new homes. The development, designed by Howells, will also provide a new primary school, more than 13,500 square metres of light industrial and flexible workspace, a riverside park, and a mix of ground-floor retail and community facilities. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said the approval marked a key milestone for the project and reflected the ambition behind the proposals. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the Royal Docks and said the scheme would build on the success of nearby Royal Wharf while responding to the area’s changing character and needs. Royal Wharf has become widely recognised as a benchmark for high-quality brownfield regeneration since its completion in 2020. With planning consent now in place for Thames Road, Ballymore plans to progress the scheme and prepare to start construction next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyles and evolving housing needs. The designs offer a modern take on Georgian-style terraces, with statement detailing, flexible layouts, and a fresh, progressive feel. The collection is aimed particularly at first-time buyers and downsizers seeking homes that are easy to manage, well-located, and thoughtfully designed for everyday living. “Today’s lifestyles are more dynamic, social and convenience-driven than ever before,” Story Homes said, noting that the new designs feature open-plan layouts, manageable private gardens, and carefully considered public green spaces to support community life. Philip Fell, Land Manager for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning consent for the next phases at Edgehill Park. Whitehaven has been an important location for Story Homes for many years, and Phase 6 represents an exciting step forward with the introduction of our new collection of house types. It’s been rewarding to see how our developments have evolved to reflect changing lifestyles while continuing to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes.” The new homes will incorporate energy-efficient features and innovative heating systems, helping to reduce household energy bills while meeting Future Homes standards and supporting the UK’s sustainability goals. By focusing on well-connected locations close to amenities and public transport, the development also encourages walking and cycling, reduces parking requirements and makes efficient use of land. Story Homes has had a long-standing presence in Whitehaven for over 15 years, delivering homes that contribute to the local economy, provide employment opportunities, and raise expectations for design quality and specification. The approval of Phases 6 and 7 marks the next chapter in Edgehill Park’s growth, combining innovative design, sustainable living, and community-focused planning for residents of Whitehaven. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Persimmon Homes Wessex has received detailed planning approval to build 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton, following outline consent for the site in February 2025. The development, which will be known as Wellow Brook, is located in the south of the town, to the east of the Fosseway. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with first residents anticipated to move in by the end of 2026. The scheme has been carefully designed to include substantial areas of green space, including a Central Square with a children’s play area and a Southern Spur featuring a community orchard, walking routes and extensive new tree planting, creating a strong sense of place on site. A total of 54 homes will be allocated to a local housing association to help address Somerset’s significant housing waiting list. The development will also feature new pedestrian and cycle links throughout the site. Commenting on the approval, Persimmon Homes Wessex Managing Director Seb Spiller said: “We at Persimmon are very pleased to have been granted detailed planning as we seek to bring high-quality housing solutions for local people in the Somer Valley area. “Having secured detailed planning approval, we are very excited to deliver on our vision and making our plans a reality, leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the process. “Wellow Brook will have a strong sense of place at the heart of its design, with new green open spaces, ecological enhancements and carefully designed new homes that incorporate local character features. “Persimmon looks forward to continuing our work with local stakeholders as we seek to deliver quality new homes, jobs, and infrastructure for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm and significant transport upgrades centred around Bristol’s main rail hub. The appointment places Muse at the heart of a long-term regeneration strategy designed to transform a key gateway into the city. The developer will initially focus on Temple Meads West, an area comprising a series of publicly owned sites immediately adjacent to Bristol Temple Meads station. These include land at the Friary, the City Point building and multi-storey car park at Temple Gate, Lower Station Approach and the Portwall Lane car park. Muse is expected to begin work on an outline planning application for Temple Meads West, with submission targeted for early 2027. Alongside this, Muse will support BTQ LLP in developing longer-term proposals for St Philip’s Marsh. The area represents one of the largest remaining brownfield regeneration opportunities in central Bristol and forms a key component of the wider 135-hectare Temple Quarter programme. Bristol Temple Quarter is being brought forward through a partnership between Homes England, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. BTQ LLP said Muse was selected for its strong regeneration credentials and proven delivery record, citing major schemes in Salford, Plymouth and London, as well as its long-standing involvement in Bristol through the Wapping Wharf development. The appointment comes as momentum continues to build across Temple Quarter, supported by substantial public investment already under way. Construction is progressing on a new £23m eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads, funded through a £95m government grant, and due to open in September 2026 alongside the University of Bristol’s £500m Enterprise Campus. Further transport improvements are also advancing. BTQ LLP secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the Southern Gateway transport hub late last year, with a contractor expected to be appointed imminently and works scheduled to begin on site this summer. With Muse now in place as preferred partner, the Temple Quarter regeneration is set to enter a critical new phase, laying the foundations for one of the most ambitious urban renewal programmes in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has secured planning permission to build 42 new homes on Oak Hill Road, at the edge of the village of Stapleford Abbotts in Essex. The site, located in Epping Forest on the border with Havering, will provide a mix of high-quality homes designed to blend seamlessly with the village while addressing local housing needs. The development updates a previous planning consent for the site, incorporating improved designs and layouts shaped by local consultations. Forty percent of the homes will be affordable, delivered in partnership with B3Living, including 13 homes for affordable rent and four shared ownership properties, all two- and three-bedroom houses for local residents. Private sale homes will range from three to five bedrooms and include private gardens, parking, and cycle storage, catering to first-time buyers, growing families, downsizers, and older residents. All properties will meet The Hill Group’s sustainability standards, featuring air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and other energy-efficient measures to help households reduce energy costs. The development has been designed with biodiversity and green space in mind. Plans include a 10% biodiversity net gain, bird and bat boxes, an attenuation pond, a children’s playground, and landscaping that complements the village’s rural character. The site benefits from close proximity to local amenities, including the village shop, pub, and the local primary school, rated Good by Ofsted. It is also allocated for residential development in the Epping Forest Local Plan to help meet long-term housing demand. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to receive planning permission for our new development in Stapleford Abbots. This thoughtfully designed neighbourhood will provide much-needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable housing for the local community. Our updated plans reflect extensive consultation and respond sensitively to the village’s character, delivering sustainable homes and generous green spaces that future residents can enjoy for generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals